Ethereum News Today: Crypto Whale's $55M Bet Collides With Trumps' $802M Crypto Conflict

A crypto whale known for accurately predicting the October 2025 market crash has re-entered the fray, opening $55 million in long positions for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as volatility subsides. The move follows a record $19 billion liquidation event on October 11, triggered by escalating US-China trade tensions, and reflects growing optimism among institutional players navigating a recalibrated regulatory landscape, according to a Brave New Coin analysis.

The whale's actions contrast with the Trump family's crypto-driven revenue surge, which a Cointelegraph report estimates at $802 million in the first half of 2025—nearly 13 times their traditional business income. The analysis, based on token revenue splits and treasury modeling, highlights the Trumps' entanglement in memecoins, stablecoins, and tokenized brand ventures. Critics argue the family's crypto profits create a conflict of interest amid Trump's public advocacy for the industry. Meanwhile, Trump's administration has rolled back enforcement priorities, including halting the Justice Department's National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and pausing SEC lawsuits against major exchanges.

The October crash, which saw Bitcoin plummet from $126,000 to below $102,000 in 24 hours, was directly linked to Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. The trade war fears prompted panic selling, with long positions accounting for $16.83 billion of the liquidations. However, a subsequent US-China trade deal, announced on October 30, has begun to stabilize markets. The agreement suspends tariffs until 2026 and addresses rare earth mineral export controls, though crypto markets remain cautious. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index inched up to 37 from 33 post-deal, still in "fear" territory, according to a Coinotag report. Analysts like Michael van de Poppe of MN Trading Capital suggest October 11 marked a "bottom day in hindsight," with Bitcoin potentially targeting $120,000 by year-end.

Institutional investors are also reshaping the market. BitMine Immersion (BMNR), a major crypto equity, reported $13.7 billion in total crypto and cash holdings, including 3.4 million ETH—2.8% of the Ethereum supply, according to a PR Newswire release. The firm's chairman, Thomas Lee, described the recent market reset as "healthy" and emphasized its pursuit of a 5% ETH allocation. BitMine's stock now ranks among the top 70 most traded in the US by dollar volume.

The broader crypto ecosystem faces mixed signals. While the Swiss crypto bank AMINA secured a MiCA license in Austria, regulators in France, Italy, and Austria have called for tighter EU oversight of the framework. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on illicit activity, with Australian police arresting 55 individuals and seizing $37.9 million in crypto in a recent operation.

As markets digest these developments, the path forward hinges on regulatory clarity and geopolitical stability. The Trump administration's pro-crypto stance, coupled with the US-China trade ceasefire, may reduce uncertainty for institutional investors. Yet, as van de Poppe noted, the bull cycle remains in its early stages, with Bitcoin's current price of $110,354 and Ethereum's $3,895 reflecting cautious optimism.